Decorative wall plate mechanism for operating a switch

Abstract

An electric switch requiring mechanical movement for actuation is mounted to a surface mountable switch mounting plate by standoffs so as to position a switch actuation element in position for actuation by a planar switch cover plate adapted for sliding engagement, in parallel juxtaposition, with the switch mounting plate. The switch cover plate is adapted for engagement with the electric switch for actuation thereof by sliding engagement.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An apparatus comprising: an electric switch providing mechanical movement means for actuation of the electric switch; a surface mountable switch mounting plate; means for mounting the electric switch onto the switch mounting plate; a planar switch cover plate extensive for fully covering the switch mounting plate with a planar, unbroken outer surface, the cover plate adapted with a rearwardly protruding actuator in sliding engagement with the switch mounting plate and the mechanical movement means thereby enabling electric switch actuation.  
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the mechanical movement means of the electric switch is a toggle bat.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the toggle actuator provides mounting legs extending therefrom and adapted for snap action and sliding engagement with mounting slots of the mounting plate.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the electric switch is mounted in spaced relationship with the switch mounting plate so as to position the switch actuation means in engagement with the actuator.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the planar switch cover plate provides a protruding actuation finger on a side thereof in opposition to the outer surface.